12 January 2025 , 07:54
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Sussex Police have arrested ex-Labour defence minister Ivor Caplin, MP for Hove between 1997 and 2005, in Brighton on suspicion of engaging in sexual communication with a child.
A sting operation by online paedophile hunters has led to the arrest of an ex MP on suspicion of child sex offences.
Former Labour defence minister Ivor Caplin was MP for Hove from 1997 to 2005 and was arrested on Saturday in Brighton. Videos shared on social media showed the 66-year-old, wearing a bright red hat and a black top, in handcuffs and surrounded by two officers.
A Sussex Police spokesman said: "We are aware of footage circulating on social media showing a man in Brighton being detained on suspicion of engaging in sexual communication with a child. Officers can confirm a local 66-year-old man was arrested on Saturday January 11 and currently remains in custody.
Self-proclaimed paedophile hunters live streamed a sting operation and the moment of the arrest, which lasted around 30 minutes and has been widely shared on social media. It has already had 36,000 views and around 3,000 comments.
Mr Caplin reportedly denies all allegations against him.
It is believed he was suspended from the Labour Party last year and is said to have denied any wrongdoing. Caplin held two Government posts during his time in office, as assistant Government whip and a junior defence minister and minister for Veterans at the Ministry of Defence.
The former Hove MP represented the constituency between 1997 and 2005. In 2001, he became an assistant Government whip and then a junior defence minister and minister for Veterans at the Ministry of Defence.